President Greg Lineberry called to order meeting #5418 of The Rotary Club of Everett, and meeting #15 of his presidency. He then led the club in The Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Sean Kelly brought us the Thought of The Day, referring to The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Don’t Panic!

 

Walt Greenwood entertained the club with an amusing song, Big Rocky Candy Mountains.

 

There were no visiting Rotarians or guests.

 

President Greg mentioned that it was Domestic Violence Awareness Month, as well as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

 

He also reminded the club about outstanding dues and to check with Neil Angst. Neil also mentioned that there are some outstanding Happy Bucks commitments.

 

Kelli Thode reminded the club about the in person Happy Hour on Thursday, October 14^th, 5:30pm at Courtyard by Marriott Everett.

 

Laura Zorick announced Making Strides for Snohomish County on October 30^th.

 

Deborah Wright was $100 happy that her daughter, Virginia has chartered a new Rotary Club.

 

Kelli Thode had $26 for the 26th anniversary for the Red Cross Real Heroes breakfast. Invitations are being sent out.

 

Ralph Quaas was happy that he had found a potential new meeting location for the club.

 

President Greg began the program by telling his personal story of why Rotary is important to him. Greg was involved with other service organizations in the community. Jim Scharff invited him to Rotary. He was impressed by the motto, Service Above Self, and the work the club did with education and scholarships. Greg’s father came from a broken home and was able to attend college through scholarships and grants. His father became an award-winning engineer and was invited to the White House to receive an award.

 

Will McMahan is the chair of the club’s membership committee. He asked the club “Who is on the membership committee?” The answer – Everyone! All members of the club should be invested in membership. Will took a poll on chat box. What are characteristics of fellow Rotarians?

 

Some common answers were:

Will discussed the two types of membership, individual and corporate. With the corporate membership, the company or corporation owns the membership. Two people from the organization are allowed to attend meetings.

 

The meeting was then moved to breakout sessions. When the breakouts ended, some members shared some takeaways.

 

Kelli Thode mentioned the quality of our programs and speakers as a way to invite potential members.

 

Jeff Moore had some ideas for attracting younger members with a possible restructuring of club dues.

 

Kaye Phinney also had ideas about how to appeal to younger members with digital flyers and an online membership application.

 

Will ended the program with a question for thought. “What would your life be like if you hadn’t joined Rotary?”

 

President Greg thanked bell ringer Deborah Wright and offered congratulations to Virginia. He mentioned the Red Cross Real Heroes Breakfast on October 30^th. Rotary Happy Hour is on October 14^th, 5:30pm at Courtyard by Marriott. Greg mentioned we had 50 attendees today. We need more members.

 

Meeting adjourned.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Photos submitted,